AUGUSTA, Ga. - Mr. Michael Benner Hagler, of Augusta, entered into rest on January 7, 2014, after battling cancer for more than 4 years. Mr. Hagler was born in Augusta in 1955 and graduated from St. Mary on the Hill School, Aquinas High School and Furman University. He received his Juris Doctor degree from The University of Georgia and an L.L.M. in Taxation from New York University. Although he was a very talented attorney, his reputation as a general problem solver and deal maker was recognized in the CSRA and beyond. He was selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America. Georgia Trend's Legal Elite and received the highest ranking from the respected legal directory Martindale Hubbell. Mike served as managing partner for Fulcher Hagler LLP and the firm thrived under his financial and operational leadership. He mentored many young attorneys who went on to establish successful legal careers. Mike was a lifelong communicant at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church where he served in numerous leadership roles including two terms on the Finance Committee. During his first tenure on that committee, his business knowhow and acumen was instrumental in moving the parish to Stewardship as a way of life. His enthusiasm and positive attitude insured the success of this initiative years beyond its institution. He and his wife Pia spoke about St. Mary's success in other parishes in the diocese and, for their lifelong contributions to the church, received the 2013 Gartland award from Bishop Gregory John Hartmayer. Mike was active in the community as a member of the Augusta Bar Association, the Augusta Country Club, State Bar of Georgia, Young Lawyers Section Events Coordinator, member and former president of Richmond Associates, treasurer of Shawondasee, Inc., member of Augusta Advisory Board of First Bank of Georgia, member of the Board of Directors of Coastal Forest Resources, as well as a member of the Irish American Heritage Society. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He enjoyed many hobbies including running, camping, hunting, skiing, fishing, swimming, and biking. He was an avid competitor in triathlons and marathons. He completed the New York City Marathon several times prior to his illness and continued to compete in triathlons during his treatment. Aside from his hobbies, he loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and many friends. Mike is survived by Pia Aranda Hagler, his wife of 36 years and three children Michael B. Hagler, Jr. of Nashville, TN, Gould B. Hagler II of Augusta, GA and Emily Hagler Johnson along with her husband, Rob Johnson of Augusta, GA. Two grandchildren, Tyler Hagler and R. Benner Johnson, also survive him. Mike's mother, Mary Hilley Hagler, predeceased him. His father, Gould B. Hagler and siblings Susan H. Schafer and Bob Cameron, Gould B. Hagler, Jr., Robert C. Hagler and his wife Mary Louise, Charles Hagler, Stephen Hagler and his wife Alice survive him along with a host of nieces and nephews. A mass of Resurrection will be held at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church today at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Gerald Ragan officiating. Interment will follow at Summerville Cemetery in Augusta. Pallbearers will be Mickey Averett, Laddie Williams, Jimmy Adams, Randy Cantu, Frank Allen, Eddie Butler and John Price. Honorary pallbearers will be Lou Boone, Meg Horton, Deborah Young, Joy Ardrey and Judi Speck. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church or St. Mary on the Hill School Endowment Fund, 1420 Monte Sano Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904, or to the Hagler Chemo Comfort Fund at University Healthcare Foundation, 2100 Central Ave, Suite D1, Augusta, GA 30904. Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com